Qasr Al Hosn is your ticket to a trip to the past, where you can discover more about the great history of Abu Dhabi. It offers you a glimpse of the heritage and the evolution of the city.
Let’s delve into more details about Qasr Al Hosn Fort, which turned out to be one of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi.
- Location
- Transportation
- Nearby Communities
- Historical Highlights
- Things to Do
- Prices
- Opening Hours
- Contact Information
- FAQ
Location
Qasr Al Hosn is located on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi.
Transportation
Bus: when it comes to transportation, visiting Qasr Al Hosn is not a big deal as it’s approachable through the buses. There are a number of stations near the museum, leaving you with quick access to it, like
- Al Hisn St / Qasr Al Hosn (Bus line: 40)
- Hamdan St / Emirates Diplomatic Academy (Bus lines: 5,33, 65)
Nearby Communities
- Al Manhal: 5 minutes away
- Al Khalidiyah: 5 minutes away
- Hadbat Al Za’faranah: 10 minutes away
- Al Reem Island: 15 minutes away
Qasr Al Hosn History
There are many of interesting information about Qasr Al Hosn that goes centuries back! Get to know more about this outstanding heritage attraction in Abu Dhabi through its history.
- The Oldest Building. It’s the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, which makes it an interesting heritage place to visit.
- Historic Building. The fort was originally built as a watchtower in the 1760s by Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa.
- Unique Construction Material. It’s mindblowing to know that the watchtower was constructed of coral and sea stone and was designed to naturally withstand the land’s harsh climates.
- Significant Building. It wasn’t only a watchtower but also the fort was used as the seat of government, military headquarters, and family home during Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Dhiyab’s ruling time from 1793 to 1816.
- Expanding to Hosn Abu Dhabi. During this time, Sheikh Shakhbut ordered the construction of more towers, which were linked to create an imposing defensive enclosure.
Qasr Al Hosn was also known as “Hosn Abu Dhabi,” which literally means Abu Dhabi Fort.
- A National Attraction. In 2018, Qasr Al Hosn became a museum after an intensive restoration work of 11 years.
It became a national museum where you can explore Abu Dhabi’s transformation from a city depending on fishing and pearling to a modern and global metropolis.
Things to Do in Qasr Al Hosn
Step into Qasr Al Hosn and immerse yourself in the UAE’s fascinating heritage with many activities to experience. Here’s a peek at what you can discover and enjoy in this historical gem
1. Explore the Different Experiences at House of Artisans
Get introduced to new types of art at the House of Artisans in Qasr Al Hosn. It’s a charming center tucked within the fort.
Moreover, you will have the chance to witness traditional Emirati crafts of the past, attend a training course and workshops, or visit one of many public events.
It’s an amazing experience to discover more about the Emirates’ intangible heritage.
2. Attend Interesting Events and Performances
At Qasr Al Hosn, you can enjoy attending a mix of cultural events and performances that are hosted there, including mesmerizing dance shows, musicals, and more.
Moreover, weekends here are a cultural feast, bustling with a diverse range of social, artistic, and cultural activities and performances that you won’t want to miss.
3. Take Some Picturesque Photos
It’s surrounded by Abu Dhabi’s glittering skyline; seeing it in person is a beautiful combination of the past and present.
Besides, these views and the museum’s stunning architecture make the best background for some instagrammble photos with heritage vibes.
4. Tour the Different Areas of the Palace
Once you get into Qasr Al Hosn Palace in Abu Dhabi, you will feel amazed by its beautiful traditional Emirati architecture, which is ideally designed and ornately decorated.
You can explore the palace’s various wings and halls and learn about the country’s history and heritage.
Prices
The ticket price for Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi is as follows:
- AED 30/person
Opening Hours
Qasr Al Hosn’s timings are the same all week except for Fridays. Check below the exact opening hours for Qasr Al Hosn all week.
- Saturday – Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
- Friday: 2 pm – 8 pm
Contact Information
Qasr Al Hosn Museum in Abu Dhabi is easily reachable through their contact information to answer your inquiries.
- info@qasralhosn.ae
- +971 (0)2 6976400
FAQ
Qasr Al Hosn, meaning “Palace Fort” in Arabic, embodies the rich history and cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi.
Originally a watchtower built in 1760, the fort evolved into the emir’s residence and the seat of government until 1966.
In addition, it witnessed the city’s transformation from a small fishing village into a thriving metropolis, serving as a testament to its resilience and growth.
Yes, it includes underground parking where you can leave your car without any worries.
